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2026 Best Value Mathematics Doctoral Degree Schools

2026 Best Value Mathematics Doctoral Degree Schools

Looking for the best-value Mathematics doctoral degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1490 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.

To arm you with the information you need, Grad Degree analyzed schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.

Top 25 Best-Value Mathematics Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States

Here are the top-ranked schools for value:

Our analysis found Brigham Young University Provo to be the best-value Mathematics school in the United States. Set in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. The median Mathematics program debt is $12,184. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. Set against $12,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report

You'll get strong value at North Dakota State University Main Campus, which ranked #2 this year. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public school based in Fargo, ND. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. The median Mathematics program debt is $25,153. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,203 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,153 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. See the full North Dakota State University Main Campus profile

A rank of #3 makes Northern Illinois University one of the best values in the United States. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. Graduates carry a median of $25,044 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Northern Illinois University

#4

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

Cornell University came in at #4 on this year's best-value Mathematics ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Ithaca, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,314. Students borrow a median of $14,146 to complete their Mathematics program here. Median earnings reach $104,043 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. More on Cornell University

You'll get strong value at Michigan Technological University, which ranked #5 this year. Michigan Technological University is a public school based in Houghton, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $20,532, with out-of-state students paying around $44,807. The median Mathematics program debt is $23,250. Median earnings reach $78,198 ten years out. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Michigan Technological University profile

University Of Nebraska Lincoln offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. University Of Nebraska Lincoln Mathematics students take on a median of $19,261 in debt. University Of Nebraska Lincoln alumni report median earnings of $56,887 a decade after entry. Set against $19,261 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln profile

University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Madison Mathematics students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,792. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile

The University Of Texas At Austin offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Mathematics program here. The University Of Texas At Austin alumni report median earnings of $75,121 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At Austin admits about 27% of applicants. More on The University Of Texas At Austin

Bowling Green State University Main Campus came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Located in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,912, while out-of-state students pay about $21,900. Bowling Green State University Main Campus Mathematics students take on a median of $24,000 in debt. Bowling Green State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $47,896 a decade after entry. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Bowling Green State University Main Campus report

#10

Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, MI

Central Michigan University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Mount Pleasant, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,480. Central Michigan University Mathematics students take on a median of $27,857 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,874. Set against $27,857 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Central Michigan University admits about 90% of applicants. Read more about Central Michigan University

University Of North Texas offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Set in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Students borrow a median of $23,689 to complete their Mathematics program here. University Of North Texas alumni report median earnings of $57,010 a decade after entry. Set against $23,689 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read the full report on University Of North Texas

#12

Northeastern University

Boston, MA

Northeastern University placed #12 among the best-value Mathematics schools in the United States. Set in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $66,162. Typical Mathematics student debt is $21,750. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,538. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Northeastern University report

#13

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mathematics schools. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Typical Mathematics student debt is $29,750. Texas Tech University alumni report median earnings of $62,454 a decade after entry. Set against $29,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Tech University admits about 73% of applicants. Read more about Texas Tech University

#14

Clemson University

Clemson, SC

Clemson University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Clemson University is a public school based in Clemson, SC. Students from in state pay about $15,554 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. The median Mathematics program debt is $22,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,513. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Clemson University profile

Texas A And M University College Station came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Texas A And M University College Station is a public school based in College Station, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,223 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,097. That is a strong return on a $18,223 median debt. Texas A And M University College Station has an acceptance rate of 57%. Read more about Texas A And M University College Station

University Of California Los Angeles came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. Typical Mathematics student debt is $14,920. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,511 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,920 median debt. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of California Los Angeles report

#17

University Of Wyoming

Laramie, WY

University Of Wyoming placed #17 among the best-value Mathematics schools in the United States. University Of Wyoming is a public school based in Laramie, WY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,768, compared with $24,178 for out-of-state students. Typical Mathematics student debt is $20,283. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,880. Set against $20,283 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Wyoming

#18

University Of Virginia Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA

University Of Virginia Main Campus came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Set in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $23,118, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. The median Mathematics program debt is $19,500. University Of Virginia Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $86,863 a decade after entry. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Virginia Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 17%. Get the full University Of Virginia Main Campus report

#19

University Of Memphis

Memphis, TN

University Of Memphis offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. University Of Memphis is a public school based in Memphis, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,728, with out-of-state students paying around $15,384. Graduates carry a median of $24,125 in student loans. Median earnings reach $48,458 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Memphis admits about 72% of applicants. See the full University Of Memphis profile

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University placed #20 among the best-value Mathematics schools in the United States. Set in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University Mathematics students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,698. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 55%. Read more about Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University

#21

Purdue University Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mathematics schools. Purdue University Main Campus is a public school based in West Lafayette, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Typical Mathematics student debt is $18,820. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,424. That is a strong return on a $18,820 median debt. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. See the full Purdue University Main Campus profile

University Of California Berkeley placed #21 among the best-value Mathematics schools in the United States. Set in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. The median Mathematics program debt is $20,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,446. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Berkeley admits about 11% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley

#23

University Of Houston

Houston, TX

University Of Houston offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Set in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. Students borrow a median of $20,100 to complete their Mathematics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,377. Set against $20,100 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Houston

Iowa State University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mathematics schools. This public school is set in Ames, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Graduates carry a median of $22,942 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,386. Set against $22,942 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. See the full Iowa State University profile

Massachusetts Institute Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Set in Cambridge, MA, Massachusetts Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,396. The median Mathematics program debt is $10,003. Median earnings reach $143,372 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $10,003 median debt. The acceptance rate is 4%. See the full Massachusetts Institute Of Technology profile

Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Mathematics Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States

Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,994, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. Typical Mathematics student debt is $14,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,200. Set against $14,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 15% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities Mathematics students take on a median of $22,095 in debt. Median earnings reach $69,020 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%. See the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities profile

#28

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA

Carnegie Mellon University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit school based in Pittsburgh, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,636. Students borrow a median of $23,529 to complete their Mathematics program here. Median earnings reach $114,862 ten years out. Set against $23,529 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 12% of applicants are accepted. More on Carnegie Mellon University

#29

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN

Vanderbilt University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,498. Typical Mathematics student debt is $10,000. Vanderbilt University alumni report median earnings of $91,565 a decade after entry. Set against $10,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 6% of those who apply are admitted. More on Vanderbilt University

#30

Brown University

Providence, RI

Brown University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Providence, RI, Brown University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $71,312. Brown University Mathematics students take on a median of $13,025 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $93,487 ten years after entry. Set against $13,025 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 5% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Brown University

#31

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA

Drexel University placed #31 among the best-value Mathematics schools in the United States. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Drexel University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $62,412. The median Mathematics program debt is $30,899. Drexel University alumni report median earnings of $84,648 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Drexel University report

#32

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA

Boston College came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Located in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $70,702. Graduates carry a median of $18,025 in student loans. Boston College alumni report median earnings of $103,937 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,025 median debt. Roughly 16% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Boston College

#33

University Of Chicago

Chicago, IL

University Of Chicago offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $69,324. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete their Mathematics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $91,885 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Chicago admits about 4% of applicants. Read more about University Of Chicago

New Jersey Institute Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Based in Newark, NJ, New Jersey Institute Of Technology is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $19,974, while out-of-state students pay about $37,664. The median Mathematics program debt is $26,190. Graduates go on to earn a median of $84,276 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. New Jersey Institute Of Technology has an acceptance rate of 65%. Read the full report on New Jersey Institute Of Technology

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign Mathematics students take on a median of $20,847 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,054. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

#36

Kansas State University

Manhattan, KS

Kansas State University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Set in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Kansas State University Mathematics students take on a median of $21,250 in debt. Kansas State University alumni report median earnings of $57,262 a decade after entry. Set against $21,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kansas State University admits about 82% of applicants. Get the full Kansas State University report

North Carolina State University At Raleigh offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. This public school is set in Raleigh, NC. Students from in state pay about $8,799 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. The median Mathematics program debt is $21,256. North Carolina State University At Raleigh alumni report median earnings of $68,758 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,256 median debt. North Carolina State University At Raleigh admits about 42% of applicants. Read the full report on North Carolina State University At Raleigh

Kent State University At Kent placed #38 among the best-value Mathematics schools in the United States. This public school is set in Kent, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $12,220, with out-of-state students paying around $21,575. Kent State University At Kent Mathematics students take on a median of $19,250 in debt. Kent State University At Kent alumni report median earnings of $45,388 a decade after entry. Set against $19,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kent State University At Kent has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about Kent State University At Kent

Worcester Polytechnic Institute landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Worcester, MA, Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $60,765. Worcester Polytechnic Institute Mathematics students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $103,470 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 60%. Read more about Worcester Polytechnic Institute

#39

Dartmouth College

Hanover, NH

Dartmouth College placed #39 among the best-value Mathematics schools in the United States. Dartmouth College is a private not-for-profit school based in Hanover, NH. Students from in state pay about $68,019 in tuition and fees. Typical Mathematics student debt is $11,617. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $97,434. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Dartmouth College has an acceptance rate of 5%. More on Dartmouth College

University Of Missouri Columbia ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mathematics schools. Based in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,837, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. The median Mathematics program debt is $18,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,403. That is a strong return on a $18,500 median debt. University Of Missouri Columbia admits about 78% of applicants. Get the full University Of Missouri Columbia report

#42

University Of Kansas

Lawrence, KS

University Of Kansas ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mathematics schools. This public school is set in Lawrence, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,102, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. The median Mathematics program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,945 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Kansas profile

#43

George Washington University

Washington, DC

George Washington University placed #43 among the best-value Mathematics schools in the United States. Based in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,710 in tuition and fees. Typical Mathematics student debt is $22,910. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $90,873. Set against $22,910 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. George Washington University has an acceptance rate of 47%. Read the full report on George Washington University

University Of Maryland College Park came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in College Park, MD. Students from in state pay about $11,809 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Mathematics program here. University Of Maryland College Park alumni report median earnings of $82,860 a decade after entry. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Maryland College Park

#45

University Of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT

University Of Utah offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. University Of Utah is a public school based in Salt Lake City, UT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,620, with out-of-state students paying around $30,860. Typical Mathematics student debt is $24,625. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,170 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Utah admits about 86% of applicants. More on University Of Utah

University Of Washington Seattle Campus landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Graduates carry a median of $15,501 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,466. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus profile

University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee placed #46 among the best-value Mathematics schools in the United States. Located in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,398, compared with $22,398 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Mathematics students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee alumni report median earnings of $54,990 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee has an acceptance rate of 91%. More on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee

#48

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL

Northwestern University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Mathematics schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Evanston, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,322. Typical Mathematics student debt is $12,418. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $89,363. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northwestern University admits about 8% of applicants. Get the full Northwestern University report

#49

University Of Georgia

Athens, GA

University Of Georgia offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Located in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. University Of Georgia Mathematics students take on a median of $20,645 in debt. University Of Georgia alumni report median earnings of $68,726 a decade after entry. Set against $20,645 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Georgia report

#49

University Of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN

University Of Notre Dame landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Notre Dame, IN, University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $65,025. The median Mathematics program debt is $19,000. Median earnings reach $99,980 ten years out. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Notre Dame report

Compare value rankings at other degree levels:

Ranking Methodology & Notes

These rankings are produced by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 1490 ranked schools only.

References

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